The Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) has recently been awarded grant funding from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) under the Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation (WIIN) Act, Section 2107, to assist local educational agencies (LEAs) with testing for and removing sources of lead in drinking water at schools.

Due to the increased number of outlets requiring remediation (based on the new 5 ppb Lead Action Level) and the upcoming August 1, 2022, deadline for remediation under Maryland House Bill 636 (School Buildings - Drinking Water Outlets - Elevated Level of Lead (Safe School Drinking Water Act), 2021), MDE is considering directing the funds toward remediation projects.   

In accordance with requirements and guidance set forth by the EPA, the grant funding will be prioritized based on the following criteria:

• Schools with at least 50% of the children receiving free and reduced price meals;

• Schools that primarily care for children 6 years and under; and

• Schools built before 1988 (since they are more likely to have lead pipes, fixtures, and solder).

To be eligible for funding under this grant program, remediation projects must occur during the period of November 15, 2021, through September 30, 2022.  The grant funding may be used for expenses associated with materials and labor for remediation options specified in Maryland’s regulations.  Per EPA guidance, permanent or long-term remediation measures are preferred over short-term measures.  Please refer to Module 6 in EPA 3Ts Manual for​ additional information.

All Maryland school districts will be eligible for and will have an opportunity to receive this grant funding; therefore, we encourage all to apply.  To help expedite the distribution of the grant funding to school districts, MDE would make the application process simple and straightforward.  MDE intends to hold an open application period of a specified length later this spring.  At that time, in order to facilitate the application process and to comply with EPA’s guidance regarding prioritization of funding distribution, applicants would be asked to provide, for participating school(s), the following information and materials:

• The percentage of students receiving free or reduced-price meals;

• Whether or not the school has a Head Start program;

• The grade range(s) of students served by the school (i.e., pre-K through 5, 6 through 8, or 9 through 12);

• The year the school building was constructed;

• Invoices for materials and labor (if seeking reimbursement for projects completed from November 15, 2021, through the present);

• Estimates for materials and labor (if seeking funding for projects to be completed between now and September 30, 2022);

• General and ancillary school and contact information.